The Cumulus Headphones Help Autistic Adults Deal with Crowds

The Cumulus headphones aim to help autistic adults navigate through crowded spaces. Designer Diamond Ho created the headphones to allow users to isolate their senses. Since those with autism have trouble dealing with their senses, crowded areas are often difficult to handle. Cumulus solves this by giving users the ability to control what they hear.

Ho's headphones have three functions built to help the autistic deal with everyday situations. Cumulus allows users to cancel all sound, isolate speech and listen to music. By allowing users to choose between a range of sound, the headphones help prevent mental stress.

In addition to isolating sound, Cumulus also tracks the user's state through sensors on the band. The headphones have a galvanic skin sensor which tracks skin temperature and heart rate. When the user is distressed, Cumulus is able to detect it.